Sony a99 II overview

Positioned as the flagship A-mount camera from Sony, the Alpha a99 II DSLR Camera combines the power of a full-frame 42.4MP Exmor R back-illuminated CMOS sensor and a BIONZ X image processor with front-end LSI to create outstanding images at expanded sensitivities up to ISO 102400 and record UHD 4K video. The a99 II is designed for speed, with an ergonomic body design and redeveloped shutter able to hit 12 fps, with full AF and AE capabilities. It also uses a Hybrid Phase Detection AF System that combines a 79-point dedicated AF sensor with a 399-point on-chip focus system for fast, accurate focusing in all conditions. And, for video, a new S&Q Motion setting permits the capture of Full HD video at a variety of frame rates ranging from 1-120 fps.

Another huge advantage of the a99 II is a 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE stabilization system which is able to compensate for about 4.5 stops of shutter speed for sharper images. The camera also offers both a 0.5" 2.36m-dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF and a 3.0" 1,228.8k-dot rear LCD that can tilt upwards 134° and downwards 180° as well as rotate 270° for working in a variety of positions. On top of all of these features, the camera offers built-in Wi-Fi with NFC and Bluetooth which expands the cameras operability and it can output 14-bit raw files.

42.4 MP Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor & BIONZ X Processor

Leveraging the power of a full-frame Exmor R back-illuminated CMOS sensor, the a99 II is able to create spectacular high-resolution images in a wide variety of shooting conditions. The back-illuminated structure is boosted through the use of an anti-reflective coating and gapless on-chip lens design that maximizes the light gathering abilities, ensuring excellent performance in low-light conditions due to a sensitivity range of up to ISO 102400. Also, it forgoes the use of an optical low-pass filter in order to guarantee the sharpest images.

This outstanding sensor is paired with the BIONZ X image processor and a newly developed front-end LSI dramatically improves the speed and throughput of the entire imaging system, enabling continuous shooting with AF/AE at up to 12 fps. Also, 8 fps shooting is possible with full live view support, meaning no blackout time while shooting. Another advantage of this setup is 16-bit image processing and 14-bit raw output which provides outstanding color fidelity and image quality.

5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Image Stabilization

Packed into the a99 II is a 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization system. This compensates for five types of camera shake encountered during handheld shooting of still images and video. This allows users to confidently use any lens, even adapted lenses, for critical imaging without encountering blur from camera shake. This system will compensate for approximately 4.5 stops of shutter speed for working with a huge variety of subjects.

For long focal lengths, the system will correct for pitch and yaw adjustments. Macro and high magnification imagery on the other hand will benefit from the inclusion of horizontal and vertical shift compensation. Additionally, all shooting styles will get usage out of the roll compensation. All 5 axes of stabilization will function at all times, even when used with third-party lenses and adapters or lenses with built-in optical stabilization.

When using lenses that do not transmit imaging data to the camera, manual settings can be used to input the correct focal length and ensure proper stabilization. Also, the viewfinder can be used to preview the amount of compensation by pressing the shutter release button halfway or magnifying the image.

Hybrid Phase Detection AF System

Taking advantage of Sony's proprietary Translucent Mirror Technology, the a99 II is able to utilize both a dedicated 79-point AF sensor and the 399-point focal-plane AF system located on the image sensor at the same time. This provides lightning fast autofocus as well as wide coverage. The 79 Hybrid Cross AF points enhanced your focusing precision by utilizing both the standard AF sensor and its 15 cross-type point with the focal-plane points. This uses the AF sensor for horizontal detection while the focal-plan points handle vertical detection. Additionally, the central AF point is sensitive to f/2.8 and the system can function in lighting as dim as -4 EV. Users can even benefit from AF capabilities while shooting at up to 12 fps or when using live view at up to 8 fps.

UHD 4K Video Recording in XAVC S Format

The a99 II is the first A-mount DSLR to offer internal UHD 4K video recording at 30 or 24 fps. This is possible using either the full-frame sensor or the Super 35 format which uses oversampling with full pixel readout and no pixel binning. This limits moire and aliasing common with high-resolution sensors. Video recording also benefits from live tracking thanks to the Hybrid Phase Detection AF system and Translucent Mirror Technology. The XAVC S format further improves image capture by providing high bit rates of 100 Mbps in 4K and 50 Mbps with Full HD recordings. An additional benefit of this camera is the ability to switch back and forth between NTSC and PAL operation for worldwide use. When recording internally, users will record video with a 4:2:0 sampling at 8-bit, however, to even further improve image quality the a99 II has clean HDMI output for use with an external recorder. This allows users to capture 4:2:2 uncompressed video and save in an edit-ready format.

The a99 II features a 3.5mm microphone input jack for compatibility with external microphones. For users needing more, the a99 II is also compatible with the Sony XLR-K2M XLR Adapter for recording professional balanced XLR audio signals with phantom power and adjustable mic/line inputs. For monitoring audio, the a99 II features a 3.5mm headphone jack as well as real time audio levels for a visual reference.

Custom Color Profiles and S-Log3 Gamma

Support is available for the S-Gamut3.Cine/S-Log-3 and S-Gamut3/S-Log3 profiles that enable up to a 1300% wider dynamic range for smoother tonal and color gradations, along with enhanced sensitivity and clarity in shadows and mid-tones. These profiles also lend themselves to greater compatibility within a professional workflow and are well-paired to the Cineon Log gamma curve for versatile post-production grading and color control. The S-Log3 gamma setting also offers an impressive 14-stop wide dynamic range for greater control over the highlights and shadows, while the S-Gamut3.Cine profile can be used to mimic the qualities of scanned negative film with a wide gamut comparable to the DCI-P3 color space. In addition to the S-Log3 gamma, the popular S-Log2 settings are also available.

Slow & Quick Motion

Take more control over your video capture capabilities with a variety of new frame rates available in an S&Q mode. This will allow shooters to capture Full HD video at one of either steps between 1-120 fps. These settings will allow you to slow down action as well as speed up a slow moving scene. This setting is also NTSC/PAL switchable.

3.0" 1,228.8k-Dot Tilting LCD Monitor

With a high 1,228.8k-dot resolution, the LCD screen will provide shooters with an excellent screen for composing images, adjusting settings, and reviewing video and photos. It also tilts upward 134° and downward 180° and rotates 180° clockwise and 90° counterclockwise for working with multiple shooting angles. Use in sunlight is improved with the implementation of WhiteMagic technology which doubles the brightness of the display through a RGBW pixel structure.

0.5" 2.36M-Dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder Electronic Viewfinder

With its 4-lens optical system using double-sided aspherical elements the viewfinder faithfully displays what will appear in your recording, including the effects of your camera settings. You'll enjoy rich tonal gradations and improved contrast. High-end features like 100% frame coverage and a 0.78x magnification enable comfortable and stable eye-level composition.

Redesigned Body

Magnesium alloy was used for the top cover, rear cover, and internal frame for outstanding durability while also maintaining a light weight.

The body has been reduced in size by 8% compared to its predecessor.

A newly developed shutter unit has been rated to withstand over 300,000 shutter actuations, useful for handling the faster 12 fps continuous shooting rate.

A new coating on the image sensor prevents dust from settling on the sensor and makes it easier to clean.

Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity enables the a99 II to instantly share imagery to mobile devices for direct sharing online to social networking, via email, and to cloud storage sites. NFC (Near Field Communication) is also supported, which allows for one-touch connection between the camera and compatible mobile devices; no complex set-up is required. Once connected, the linked mobile device can also display a live view image on its screen and remotely control the camera's shutter. Also, a Bluetooth connection provides for location data acquisition.

Sony a99 II reviews

Alpha a99 II DSLR Camera (Body Only) is rated
4.7 out of
5 by
75.

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Eric from
Best camera I've ever owned!Overall, this camera is great. I have a large inventory or A-mount lenses, so the A7 line (E-mount) is a good match. Highlights: 1. Fast focusing 2. Low light capability 3. Easy layout of controls (don't need to go into menus to change almost everything) 4. High resolution (42M pixels) 5. Focus peaking 6. Focus tracking Previously, I have used the Sony A900, and A99. This is a nice step up from the A99, while the camera controls are very similar. Much easier to use than the A7 cameras, which have many more functions controlled via menu. Again, this is the best camera I own, and the best camera I have ever used.

Date published: 2017-03-23

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Excellent CameraIve had the camera for about three weeks now on two winter drives first outing I just took it and used it without digging into the new features to much as I have an Alpha 900 that is similar to this A99ii body and the results where great shooting mostly in auto. Started reading the manual that you can download online better than the start up manual that comes with it, and started tweaking the custom buttons and exploring the different options now available, the second trip was even better so I am glad I bought this camera with over 40+ mega pixels it captures everything and I could of course keep all my A mount lens's. If this camera holds out as well as the A900 has and I'm sure it will this will be a great investment.

Date published: 2017-01-23

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
The Sony a99 II is a winnerWhile I only recently purchased the a99 II, I have already found it a great camera. I recently tested its continuous focus feature in continuous shooting mode in adverse lighting conditions and found it worked extremely well. It has taken me awhile to get used to the electronic viewfinder but it works fine and is most useful as a full frame camera. This is not a light weight camera in any sense of the term. It means business. The menu system takes some getting used to, but a little time invested will go along way toward maximizing your efficiency in taking advantage of the many, many, many features the camera offers.

Date published: 2017-05-16

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Karalie from
Missing link between Canon and SonyWhen I switched from my 5d3 to the a7r2 I was always missing that robust DSLR feel and also the dual card system and weather sealing. Always wanting a 1DX for the fast frame rate I could never bring myself to pay $6k for a body. This camera is exactly what I wanted. Its basically a 1DXII, with better resolution, better ISO performance, for half the price. Well done Sony! And if anyone is wondering, the focus system lives up to the hype, even on a Minolta lens made in 1989 the hit rate is 99%. Other things to note that the battery life is probably triple of my A7R2 which has always been a knock on the e-mount system, the screen is even more usable (even for a selfie purpose), and you can finally make a button for the APSC-35 mode! Love it.

Date published: 2016-12-11

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Excellent!! Been waiting years for Sony to make this camera!I have been a Sony Amount camera fan for years starting out with the A55 in 2010 since then I have owned an A77 and A99. This camera is the one for me! It has everything I want and need in a Sony Amount Camera. In low light it is excellent! Quick to focus! I love the different metering options! The eye focus is accurate and awesome to use! The file size is much larger and will fill up the memory card twice as fast, but the image quality is Excellent! Works with my Tamron lenses (I purchased the a7rii when it was released and returned it due to it would not work with my Tamron lenses, even with the recommend adapters it would not recognize some of my 3rd party lenses + I never liked the way the smaller emount camera bodies felt in my hands). I have been waiting years for this Sony A99ii to come out and it is Awesome!!

Date published: 2016-12-19

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
A99II is the perfect camera for all uses. Seriously.It is exactly the camera I wanted. It has lightning fast autofocus and an amazing number of frames per second AND the image quality is as good anything out there. Before this, I used the A77II for sports, but the image quality was not great, and my A7rII for everything else, which has better IQ, but is not good for sports. The A99II combines and adds to the best of both and is my perfect camera for all things. Also, I had my A-mount lenses, so I have no need for new investment in lenses.

Date published: 2016-12-16

Rated 5 out of
5 by
LTG from
Best Sony A mount yet!I have used the Minolta system since the XD-11. When Sony bought Minolta, I started with an A100, then a A550, and an A77. I was disappointed because none of those really performed like the old film days. It wasn't until I bought the A99 that I felt that I was getting the quality of photos that I had gotten from film. Now with the A99M2, I'm getting some of the best quality photos I have ever gotten. RAW editing in Photoshop is a breeze because there is very little to adjust or correct compared to the ASP-C cameras I used to have. I love how the Function menu can be customized with the settings I access the most. It's very quick to change a setting that way. The A99 was a great camera, but the A99M2 is quite a few steps above and beyond. I am very happy with this upgrade.

Date published: 2017-07-27

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Best Sony camera ever made.From beginning with the a100 and moving to the a700, a77ii, a99 and now the a99ii, I can honestly say this is the best Sony camera I have ever used. I use it for photojournalism and sports photography. Zero problem shooting at 16000 to 25600 iso during nighttime ballgames. Paired with a Tamron 70-200 2.8, Minolta 100mm 2.8 and a 24-75 2.8, you will get sharp photos and great detail in all photos.